The Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) is a first of its kind organization with technical and policy expertise on disinformation, connective technologies, democracy, and the future of digital rights. Incubated at the Atlantic Council in 2016, the DFRLab has conducted over 1,000 investigations exposing influence operations and emerging digital threats worldwide.

With a team rooted in diverse regional expertise and subject-matter knowledge, the DFRLab works to promote digital resilience, defend democratic institutions, and ensure that objective fact remains central to public discourse in an increasingly contested information space.

Read the DFRLab’s latest case studies, learn about our initiatives, and more at DFRLab.org

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Democracy + Tech Initiative

DTI creates policy practices that align global stakeholders toward tech and governance that reinforces, rather than undermines, open societies. It builds on the DFRLab’s established track record and leadership in the open-source field, empowering global communities to promote transparency and accountability online and around the world.

The Atlantic Council Technology Programs comprises five existing efforts—the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), the GeoTech Center, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, the Democracy + Tech Initiative, and the Capacity Building Initiative. These operations work together to address the geopolitical implications of technology and provide policymakers and global stakeholders necessary research, insights, and convenings to address challenges around global technology and ensure its responsible advancement.

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New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2023

Russian War Report: Kremlin denies that it targeted civilians in a missile attack on a pizza restaurant

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

A deadly Russian missile strike on a cafe in Kramatorsk leaves a dozen dead and more injured. Post-mutiny, Wagner's future in Africa is up in the air.

Africa Belarus

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jun 29, 2023

The disinformation landscape in West Africa and beyond

By Tessa Knight, Jean le Roux

A look at West Africa’s information environment, with particular emphasis on local and international disinformation campaigns targeting the region and beyond.

Africa Digital Policy
Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin speaks inside the headquarters of the Russian southern army military command center, which is taken under control of Wagner PMC, according to him, in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia in this still image taken from a video released June 24, 2023. Press service of "Concord"/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

New Atlanticist

Jun 24, 2023

Russian War Report Special Edition: Prigozhin and Wagner forces mutiny against Moscow

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

A special edition of the Russian War Report on Wagner Group's mutiny against the Russian military and occupation of Rostov.

Conflict Internet
Ukrainian drone operators in Ukraine’s Donbas region, February 14, 2023. Russia’s Wagner Group is attempting to recruit gamers to join its own ranks of drone pilots. (Source: Reuters Connect/Kish Kim/Sipa USA)

New Atlanticist

Jun 22, 2023

Russian War Report: Wagner attempts to draft gamers as drone pilots

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russian PMC Wagner Group is encouraging gamers to apply to serve as drone pilots in the war against Ukraine while Ukrainian forces advance on the eastern front.

Conflict Drones
A Ukrainian national flag is seen, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the front line in the newly liberated village Neskuchne in Donetsk region, Ukraine June 13, 2023. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

New Atlanticist

Jun 15, 2023

Russian War Report: Anti-Ukrainian counteroffensive narratives fail to go viral

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

As the Ukrainian counteroffensive continues in Ukraine's south and east, false narratives calling it unsuccessful fail to gain traction on Twitter.

Conflict Disinformation

Transcript

Jun 8, 2023

The European Commission’s Rita Wezenbeek on what comes next in implementing the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act

By Atlantic Council

At a DFRLab RightsCon event, Wezenbeek spoke about the need to get everyone involved in the implementation of the DSA and DMA.

Disinformation European Union

Transcript

Jun 8, 2023

Mapping the last decade of Russia’s disinformation and influence campaign in Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has continued its information operations, targeting more than just Ukraine, say speakers at a RightsCon event hosted by the Digital Forensic Research Lab.

Disinformation Russia

Transcript

Jun 8, 2023

The international community must protect women politicians from abuse online. Here’s how.

By Atlantic Council

At RightsCon, human-rights advocates and tech leaders who have faced harassment online detail their experiences—and ways the international community can support women moving forward.

Disinformation Resilience & Society
An animated map showing potential locations subjected to flooding hazards as a result of the rupture of the Nova Kakhovka dam. (Source: MapZen via ESA/Sentinel EOBrowser, annotations: DFRLab)

New Atlanticist

Jun 8, 2023

Russian War Report: Satellite imagery analysis captures flood threat after dam’s destruction

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Satellite imagery of the Nova Kakhovka dam's collapse reveals the extent of the damage caused by extreme flooding in Kherson Oblast.

Conflict Disinformation

360/OS

Jun 7, 2023

Activists and experts assemble in Costa Rica to protect human rights in the digital age

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Our Digital Forensic Research Lab is convening top tech thinkers and human-rights defenders at RightsCon to collaborate on an agenda for advancing rights globally.

Cybersecurity Disinformation